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Introduction

Research conducted to date, has documented hand hygiene (HH) compliance rates for
medical students ranging between 8% and 52%. While compliance rates have increased
in recent years for medical students, they are still well below the ideal levels.
The audit data by hand hygiene Australia indicate that currently hand hygiene of medical
studnets in Australia is below 70% [1].

Objectives

Our study aimed to examine current teaching and assessment practices used in Australian
medical schools to teach students the concepts of HH.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was sent to medical education experts across all Australian
medical schools (n= 17). The survey was made up of a mix of open and closed questions
and statistical analysis was undertaken on all surveys using SPSS version 21.

Results

Sixteen medical schools indicated that concepts of hand hygiene are taught and reinforced
throughout the training program. Skills stations was reported as the most common teaching
method used reported by fifteen medical schools followed by case scenarios were reported
by twelve medical schools. At sixteen medical schools indicated that the HH concepts
are assessed at least once during the medical training and assessment is done most
commonly during OSCEs (Objectively Structured Clinical Examinations) and through clinical
practical exams and competency checks. All medical schools rated their students hand
hygiene compliance as high to very high. Teaching and learning of HH was considered
adequate and was supported by good infrastructure. However half the participants did
not consider HH as important as other medical concepts and role models were considered
as important influence in reinforcing HH practices in a variety of clinical environments.

Conclusion

Appropriate knowledge is a starting point for improving practice and for instilling
the correct attitude to infection prevention. The frequency and method of teaching,
as well as other measures aimed to enhance HH compliance amongst medical students,
must be re-examined.